Creamy Tater Tot Casserole
This deliciously warm and comforting Creamy Tater Tot Casserole draws inspiration from classic Midwestern cooking, giving a nod to the Minnesota tradition of hotdish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and your choice of vegetables, all topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a nostalgic family recipe loved by many, and it’s quick to prepare, making it a go-to for busy evenings. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese and you have a full meal in one dish that satisfies both belly and soul!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
tater tots
1 (1 lb) package (frozen, no preparation needed)
condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 (10 ounce) cans (straight from the can)
mixed vegetables
1 (14 ounce) can (drained, use your choice or preference)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
3
Spread the browned beef evenly in the bottom of a 2 to 2.5 quart baking dish.
4
Drain the liquid from your chosen vegetables and layer them over the ground beef, distributing them evenly.
5
Directly from the can, spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the vegetables and meat, spreading it out without mixing.
6
Carefully arrange a layer of tater tots on top of the soup, covering the entire surface.
7
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 50 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8
Remove from the oven and sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese over the top to serve.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
30g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tater Tot Casserole?
It is a comforting Midwestern-style dish, often called a hotdish, featuring ground beef, vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and tater tots.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground beef.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, season with salt and pepper, and drain any excess grease.
What kind of soup is required?
The recipe uses two 10-ounce cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Do I need to mix the soup with other ingredients?
No, the soup should be spooned directly over the vegetables and meat without mixing.
What vegetables should I use?
Use one 14-ounce can of mixed vegetables, drained, or your choice of preferred vegetables.
Are the tater tots cooked before adding them to the dish?
No, you use a 1-pound package of frozen tater tots without any prior preparation.
What is the baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole bake?
The dish takes approximately 50 minutes to bake.
How do I know when the casserole is finished?
It is done when the tater tots on top are golden brown and crispy.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, bake the casserole uncovered to ensure the tater tots get crispy.
When do I add the cheese?
Remove the casserole from the oven first, then sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese over the top.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 2 to 2.5 quart baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 350 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 22g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 17g of protein per serving.
What seasonings are used?
The ground beef is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute the mixed vegetables with your choice of preference.
Is this recipe considered a hotdish?
Yes, it is inspired by the Minnesota tradition of hotdish.
Is this meal quick to prepare?
Yes, it is designed for busy evenings and is quick to assemble.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In what order are the layers assembled?
The order is browned beef, then drained vegetables, then soup, then tater tots on top.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned, you can use fresh vegetables as long as they are prepared and ready for layering.
What is the total count of ingredients?
The recipe uses four main ingredients plus salt, pepper, and cheese.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic family recipe loved by many.
What kind of cuisine does this represent?
It represents Midwestern cuisine.
Do I need to drain the liquid from the canned vegetables?
Yes, you must drain the liquid from the vegetables before layering them.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe calls for beef, you could substitute other ground meats like turkey if desired.
How should the tater tots be arranged?
Carefully arrange them in a layer covering the entire surface of the soup.